Meta has announced the global rollout of its Teen Accounts feature on Facebook and Messenger, designed to provide a safer online experience for teenagers aged 13 to 17. This move follows the successful implementation of Teen Accounts on Instagram and later expansion to Facebook and Messenger in major English-speaking countries, including the US, UK, Australia, and Canada. With the global launch, hundreds of millions of teens worldwide will now have access to enhanced safety features, including automatic privacy protections, content restrictions, and parental controls.
The Teen Accounts feature is designed to address parents’ top concerns, such as limiting who teens can talk to online, restricting exposure to sensitive content, and curbing potentially harmful interactions. For users under 16, these limits cannot be removed without parental consent, ensuring a safer digital environment for young users. Parents and guardians can also oversee account activities, view who their teens are messaging with, and monitor screen time, providing them with greater confidence in their children’s online safety.
Meta’s decision to introduce Teen Accounts comes amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on teenagers’ mental health and well-being. The company has faced scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators worldwide, prompting it to develop more robust safety features and tools to protect young users. In addition to Teen Accounts, Meta has launched a School Partnership Program, allowing educators to report problematic content, such as bullying, directly to the platform for quicker review and removal.
By expanding Teen Accounts globally, Meta aims to build trust with families using its platforms and provide a safer online experience for teenagers. The company has also emphasized the importance of digital literacy and partnered with child safety organizations to educate young users about online safety and responsibility.
